Cañonero Paraguay arrives in Encarnación for historic visit

The historic Cañonero Paraguay and the patrol boat Capitán Cabral have arrived in Encarnación for the first time, following a journey from the Paraguay River through the Paraná River and the Yacyretá locks.

Built in Italy and arriving in Paraguay in 1931, the Cañonero Paraguay played a vital role during the Chaco War, serving as a transport vessel for soldiers, weapons, and supplies. The vessel has recently undergone a significant restoration, replacing its original steam propulsion with diesel engines.

The deployment to the southern region of the country was ordered by President Santiago Peña as part of the security operations for the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC) Paraguay. During the first day of public visits, approximately 3,000 people toured the vessels. Defense Minister Óscar González emphasized the importance of the visit, noting that these ships represent essential Paraguayan state heritage.